Category: Humans

When one accepts the obvious truth that *all* sentient non-humans are individuals, not things, deserving of life, basic respect and justice—and that the distinctions we make between species are arbitrary and designed to put us in positions of power and domination over them which invariably leads to victimization, exploitation and injustice—the only acceptable choice is to live vegan.

Exploitation of the vulnerable is NEVER acceptable. To live vegan is to take a stand against this exploitation. To live non-vegan is to directly participate in it for personal gain. The choice is clear—it’s time to live vegan.~ Keith Berger (March 10, 2018)

Some folks think the terms slavery and holocaust belong solely to us humans. It’s most likely because these folks think humans are in some way superior to all the other animal species. And thus, to compare us to them is unthinkable. But, this is just people being speciesist. Which, like racism, sexism, and heterosexism, is deeply ingrained into our societal DNA. Especially, speciesism. Thus, besides looking forward to the end of such horrific events, I also look forward to the day when we all can agree that injustice is injustice no matter who the victims are.

This flag symbolized racism and slavery and the fight to keep it alive in America. The Confederate States of America fell for good reason, and General Lee surrendered to Grant at the Appomattox court house on April 9, 1865. That this flag still flies all over places within our free nation is a dishonor to all who fought and died for that freedom and to free all slaves and end slavery in America forever. That this flag flew at state capitals is an insult to all African Americans and any people anywhere in the world that are enslaved. Slavery is a horrific human tragedy and one that should be eradicated from the planet but never ever forgotten. Those that fly the rebel flag (or any flag which represents slavery or opression) are traitors to our nation, to the world, to freedom, and are enemies of humanity.~ Eric Wichman (July 10, 2015)

After fifty years of waving it defiantly in the face of the federal government, Southern conservatives are tripping all over themselves to take down the Confederate battle flags from their state buildings and monuments. This doesn’t mean the conversation is over.

Slavery ended in the 1860s, but just yesterday I read a statement from a Republican elected official somewhere down South. He said slavery was the first “Social Security” system, that it provided cradle-to-grave care for the slaves.

Slavery ended officially in the 1860s yet some still debate it’s merits. So yes, the conversation about the Confederate battle flag, what it represents, and where it should or should not be displayed will continue. But hopefully it will be relegated to invite-only gatherings of drunken bigots, back alleys, and country-club watering holes, where it belongs.

The Confederate battle flag belongs in museums, private homes, and private collections. It has no more business being displayed on public buildings than the Soviet hammer and sickle.~ Booth McKeown (June 25, 2015)

When the injustices of the world seem too big to overcome and we feel small and powerless, that isn’t the time to give up. It’s time to be determined and consistent, to stick with it and speak the truth until the job is done. Oppression isn’t ended overnight, but that doesn’t make it never ending. The history of the world is filled with unexpected changes to the status quo. If you are passionate about justice, peace, and nonviolence, what other option is there but to continue to bring these values into the world, day by day, with each word and deed that you choose? Passion is contagious. There is no doubt that a thousand years from now the world will be a very different place. The kind of place it will be in that future depends on what we choose to say and do now.~ Edward J. Immel (June 13, 2015)

Millions of Europeans visited zoos to see human attractions from South America and Africa. It’s shocking because today we recognise that human slavery is socially and legally unacceptable. Nonhuman animals used as slaves however are not recognised as morally wrong which is why humans still flock to see them imprisoned for life in zoos for human amusement.~ Renata Peters (June 6, 2015)